Background:
The quality of life has three main characteristics: it always refers to the living conditions of an individual; it is measured both with subjective and objective indicators; and it is a multidimensional concept.

Aim of the study:
To assess how the quality of life is affected by the close proximity of wind farms.

Material and Methods:
The study group consisted of 1,277 Polish adults (703 women and 574 men), living in places located near wind farms. The mean age was 45.5 ± 16.10. Some 33.2% of participants lived more than 1,500 m from wind farms; 17% – below 700 m. The research tool consisted of the Norwegian version of the SF-36 General Health Questionnaire, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for health assessment, and original questions.

Results:
Regardless of the distance between a place of residence and a wind farm, the highest quality of life was noted within the physical functioning subscale (mean 76±27.97), and the lowest within the general health (mean 55.3±24.06). Within all scales, the quality of life was assessed highest by residents of areas located closest to wind farms, and the lowest by those living more than 1,500 m from wind farms.

Conclusions:
Close proximity of wind farms does not result in the worsening of the quality of life. Similar research should be conducted before any intended investment, and at least 6 months after construction of a wind farm.